Professional Development: How to be a Better Educator

Over the course of this week, I not only have prepared educational lessons/resources for my student but I also started to dive into studying for my Master Service Technician certification. The more that I have been studying, the more I have realized how individual professional development is important for educators.

As I work through Briggs and Stratton's Master Service Technician course, I have noticed how much I really did not know about small engines. Even though it is challenging, I believe that working through this course will serve my students better in the fall as I will be teaching a Power Machinery Technology course. 

An educator should have a wealth of knowledge on the subject material he/she is teaching their students. I believe having a specific professional development plan is imperative to serve your students the best as possible. Having a basic understanding of the material is good, but to move into a master teacher one must have a wealth content knowledge in their respective subject area. 

Beginning my teaching career as an Agricultural Mechanics teacher, I have realized that there is just as much science content knowledge in mechanics as there is in the Agricultural General and Ecological courses. I think the stereotypical view on Agricultural Mechanics being just wrench turning, arc striking, and woodcutting needs to change to reflect the science theories/ideals behind the physical laboratory work.

Moving into the 2020-2021 school year at Solanco High School, I plan to break the stereotypical view of Agricultural Mechanics. I want to show my students the science behind engine theory, metalworking, and woodworking.